Montreal's Silver Starling Ink Deal with Last Gang Records, Prep Debut Full-Length

BY Stephenson PricePublished Jul 14, 2009

Preparing to release their self-titled debut, indie-rockin' Montrealers Silver Starling have inked a deal with Toronto-based label, Last Gang Records, the home to such acts as Metric, MSTRKRFT and the New Pornographers.

After 15 years recording, producing and collaborating with artists ranging from Stars and Arcade Fire to Dr. Noh, Torngat and even the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, industry vet and Silver Starling principal Marquis Paquin finally decided it was time for some music of his own. An encounter with drummer Liam O'Neil (Make a Circus, Young Galaxy) brought this dream to fruition, and the two went on to recruit Marika Anthony-Shaw (Arcade Fire), Peter X (Parkside Jones, Sevens Project) and Gab Lambert (Marathon) to incubate exactly the tone they had been seeking for Silver Starling.

If you want to take the press release's word for it, the group have been described as a cross between the Beatles and Jeff Buckley, but soft jazz tones reminiscent of Bill Frisell echo throughout the multi-layered structure of their sound. Co-produced by Paquin and Peter Katis (the National, Interpol), Silver Starling's album seeks to reflect "the essence of family; of pain and loss, as well as identity, support and growth" - all through driving rhythms and layered melodies to reinforce Paquin's smooth and articulate vocals.

Look for Silver Starling's debut to hatch on September 22, with the band hitting the road with a series of support dates. Here are the tracks on the records, followed by the announced dates so far:

Tracklisting: 1. "Something Over Nothing"
2. "Caught in Your Glow"
3. "Closer"
4. "Ghosts"
5. "Blind"
6. "Love and a Broken Heart"
7. "Blue Light"
8. "This is not a Dream"
9. "The News"
10. "Old Man"

Tour dates:

7/25 Guelph, ON - Hillside Festival (Workshop)
7/26 Guelph, ON - Hillside Festival (Performance)
8/1 Montreal, QC - Osheaga Festival

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